An Answered Prayer: Dorothy’s Rise from Struggle to Strength at LASS
As a member of the Leadership Academy of South Sudan (LASS) class of 2024, Dorothy has gone through a transformative journey, one that has shaped her into the determined and passionate young woman she is today.
Dorothy first heard about LASS from a friend who sent her the application. This was her last and only chance at continuing her education. “It was an answered prayer,” she says, reflecting on how coming to LASS felt like a divine intervention. “It was a place where I saw my dreams coming true,” she shares. “I felt like the doors were opening and I started seeing a clear vision of my future.” This clarity of purpose has been the foundation of her growth, not just academically, but personally.
Before LASS, Dorothy’s journey took her from South Sudan to a refugee camp in Uganda—an experience that left deep emotional scars. “Being a refugee is one of the most terrible experiences. You don’t have shelter. It rains, and rain washes you. There’s a lot of isolation. You don’t feel at home. You’re hungry.” Dorothy was surrounded by trauma, and every day was a struggle for basic needs and survival. But despite all this, she kept holding onto hope.
Arriving at LASS gave her a sense of home that she had been longing for since she had to flee South Sudan. “LASS gave me a sense of belonging,” Dorothy says. And it’s not just her. 84% of LASS students are refugees, each with their own story of struggle and resilience. At LASS, the community embraces its students like family, and that’s exactly what Dorothy found. “When I’m crying or feeling emotionally down, there’s always someone here that can comfort and be there for me. You feel cared for and loved,” she says with gratitude.
One of the unique features of LASS is the “care group” system, where each student is placed into a family made up of mentors and peers. These families—complete with chosen “mothers,” “fathers,” and siblings—become a permanent support system. Every Sunday, the students gather with their care group after prayer to play games, share stories, and build bonds that last long after graduation. Each care group forms a deep connection. She even has a “twin” in her family. Although they aren’t actually twins, she says that whenever she needs help or support, he’s her first call. “We are truly like family,” Dorothy says.
Apart from the strong community, Dorothy has also found her passion at LASS: entrepreneurship. She dreams of becoming a businesswoman, one who creates opportunities and jobs for people in her country. “I want to create many jobs for people in South Sudan. I want to help others rise up and pursue their dreams, just like I did,” she says with a spark in her eyes.
Her passion extends to the younger generation as well. Dorothy loves spending time with younger people, talking to them, and helping them navigate their struggles. Having faced her own challenges and battled low self-esteem before coming to LASS, she has learned how to stand up for herself and build courage. Now, she wants to do the same for the boys and girls who remind her of her past self—unmotivated, unsure, and doubtful of their potential. “I want to push them to keep pursuing their dreams and see them rise up to become strong adults.”
The teachers at LASS are more than just instructors; they are mentors and encouragers who take the time to invest in each student’s personal growth. Dorothy’s sense of self has blossomed through the discipleship program at LASS, where she learned to truly love herself and understand her worth. “The teachers here encourage us every day to get to know who we are and to love ourselves the way God made us,” she shares, emphasizing how this support has been a crucial part of her development.
Her hard work has paid off in more ways than one. When Dorothy sat for the Uganda National Exam, a multi-day exam that determines university enrollment and scholarship opportunities, she achieved a perfect score of 20 points. It’s an accomplishment that would make anyone immensely proud, but Dorothy responded with the deepest humility. “It’s God who does all things for us,” she says, reflecting on her success. “He says in his Word that He lifts the humble and humbles the proud.” This philosophy of humility is at the core of who Dorothy is—someone who, despite her achievements, always remains grounded in faith and gratitude.
Looking toward the future, Dorothy has big dreams not just for herself but for her country. She envisions a South Sudan that is politically, economically, and socially stable. “I have seen and been a victim of the conflicts in South Sudan. So my biggest hope is to see a stable South Sudan so that the generations coming won’t experience what we went through. I don’t want them to run as refugees,” she says with a sense of urgency.
Dorothy also dreams of a South Sudan where people love one another, setting aside tribal conflicts to unite as one people. “Socially, there’s been a lot of tribalism. I want to see people love each other the way that Jesus loves us,” she adds. At LASS, students come from a variety of tribes, many of which have deep-rooted conflicts with one another. For many new students, the idea of living and sharing a community with members of rival tribes can feel overwhelming—often, they’ve never even met someone from the other tribe before. But that’s what makes LASS so extraordinary. It proves that unity is possible on a larger scale, as these students, once cultural enemies, transform into brothers and sisters. The experience shows that, despite their differences, reconciliation and understanding can truly take place.
On the economic front, Dorothy is keenly aware of the challenges many families face. “There’s been a lot of inflation. Parents can’t find jobs or pay school fees. They work so hard but still can’t afford to live.” This is a reality she wants to change through entrepreneurship, by creating jobs and contributing to the growth of her country’s economy.
When she’s not dreaming of her future or working toward her goals, Dorothy finds joy in singing. It’s a natural gift she has, and singing helps her refresh and renew her spirit.
Dorothy’s journey is one of incredible transformation, from a refugee to a confident young woman with a vision for a impactful future.
